REC assures voters of free, fair polls, blames inconclusive elections on violence

Amid recent cases of inconclusive elections in the country, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sam Olumekun, has assured voters that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct free and fair polls.

Olumekun explained that politically motivated violence has been the reason for the numerous inconclusive elections in the past.

The state REC spoke in Benin City at a seminar organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in conjunction with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).

Speaking on the theme “The Benefits of Violence-Free Election in Edo State,” he cautioned that election in the country should not be a do-or-die affair.

Olumekun said politicians are to blame for most of the violence that often necessitates inconclusive elections, adding that the youths are the most vulnerable group.

The REC expressed concern that inconclusive elections were drawing back the commission’s quest to attain a global standard in the electoral process.

He said: “We have been preparing very hard for the conduct of the governorship election. Security is key to the conduct of any election and as you know, INEC does not control the security agencies, so we need your support as stakeholders in the electoral process.”

Olumekun appealed to the electorate, particularly the youths to eschew violence, restating that the commission will conduct a transparent governorship polls.

The state NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Walter Akubuiroh, appealed to the concerned parties to forestall violence, “before, during and after the election.”

Akubuiroh lamented that violence has claimed so many innocent lives in Nigeria and destroyed property worth billions of naira.